information retrieval Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Slack Messenger Review: Why This Work Chat App Is Still the Only One That Feels Human

Slack Messenger is a collaboration platform developed by Slack Technologies, part of Salesforce Inc., designed to enhance work communication by replacing email and fragmented chat applications with an organized, searchable hub. It features channel-based messaging for project and topic organization, powerful search capabilities for efficient information retrieval, and integrations with popular tools like Google Drive and GitHub. Additional functionalities include Slack Connect for external collaboration, built-in audio/video huddles, Workflow Builder for automating tasks, and enterprise-grade security options. Users report a significant reduction in internal email, improved search efficiency, and a positive impact on team culture, although challenges such as notification overload and a learning curve exist. Compared to alternatives like Microsoft Teams and Google Chat, Slack is noted for its user-friendly experience and dynamic functionality.

Tech Optimizer

December 23, 2025

Better Relevance for AI Apps With BM25 Algorithm in PostgreSQL

Tiger Data, formerly known as Timescale, has released a preview version of pg_textsearch, an open-source extension for PostgreSQL that uses the BM25 algorithm to improve keyword search relevance and performance. The project quickly gained over 1,800 stars on GitHub. The rebranding reflects a strategic shift from a focus on time-series databases to a broader scope, including cloud offerings and PostgreSQL for various applications. The pg_textsearch extension addresses the need for enhanced search capabilities in PostgreSQL, particularly for AI applications, as customers sought a general-purpose search primitive. The BM25 algorithm improves relevance ranking in information retrieval systems, offering features like inverse document frequency and term frequency saturation. The extension is compatible with PostgreSQL versions 17 and 18 and enhances performance for large datasets. Development of pg_textsearch began in October, utilizing AI tools to streamline the process, with a production-ready version expected early next year.

Tech Optimizer

December 3, 2025

SereneDB lands $2.1M to fuse search, analytics and Postgres into one engine

Berlin-based startup SereneDB has completed its Pre-Seed funding round, raising .1 million from venture funds Entourage and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The company aims to improve traditional search and analytics tools, which struggle with dynamic datasets. SereneDB integrates live data and analysis within a single system, combining a search engine with OLAP execution under PostgreSQL for real-time data ingestion and updates. The platform allows for rapid retrieval of complex results and supports insightful queries from both human users and AI agents. CEO Alexander Malandin and CTO Andrey Abramov lead the company, drawing on their extensive experience in IT and database design. They aim to create a unified engine that integrates search and database functionalities, addressing the limitations of existing enterprise search technologies. The initial response from the developer community has been positive, with interest in SereneDB's capabilities, particularly among startups and existing search users. The funding will help expand the team and support open-source development.

TrendTechie

October 4, 2025

Создана торрент-сеть, которую невозможно взломать или заблокировать

In the Netherlands, Tribler is a fully decentralized torrent client developed by Professor Johan Pouwelse from Delft University of Technology, designed to operate without central servers and resist state-imposed sanctions. Users can search for files directly within the application, which organizes content into channels, including the popular RuTracker unofficial channel, associated with the Russian tracker RuTracker, which has been blocked in Russia since November 2015. Tribler is available on multiple platforms and is open-source, with version 7.5.1 released on June 25, 2020. The absence of central servers allows for uninterrupted access as long as at least one user is connected, and the system operates without moderators, although user ratings can filter out harmful content. An integrated anonymizing network was introduced in September 2014 to enhance user privacy. As of June 2020, RuTracker unofficial had over 2 million torrents, and other channels like YIFY, MVGroup, EZTV, and NYAA also attract users. Despite RuTracker's ban, it remains accessible through Tribler, and the site continues to operate by allowing users to create personal copies to circumvent blocks.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to check your PC’s full specifications on Windows 10

To check computer hardware specs in Windows 10, you can use several methods: 1. Settings: - Open Settings > System > About to view processor, memory, architecture, and software specifications (Edition, Version, Installed on, OS build). 2. System Information: - Open Start, search for msinfo32, and select it. In the System Summary, view system model, processor brand, UEFI version, memory capacity, and motherboard details. 3. Create Hardware Specs Report: - In the System Information app, select specifications, go to File > Export, choose a folder, and save the report. 4. DirectX Diagnostic Tool: - Open Start, search for dxdiag, and check the System tab for processor and memory, and the Display tab for graphics card information. 5. PowerShell: - Open Start, search for PowerShell, run as administrator, and type Get-ComputerInfo to view specifications. 6. Command Prompt: - Open Start, search for Command Prompt, run as administrator, and type systeminfo to access detailed system information. For monitoring temperatures, third-party tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp are recommended. To check RAM, use Task Manager's Performance page. For network information, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet. To check FPS, access Task Manager's Performance page or use dxdiag.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Google rolls out new Windows desktop app with Spotlight-like search tool

Google has introduced an experimental application for Windows that enhances information retrieval using the Alt + Space shortcut to search local files, applications, Google Drive documents, and the web. The app, similar to Mac's Spotlight search, is part of Google's Search Labs initiative, allowing user feedback during its development. It features Google Lens for searching content on screens and an AI Mode for complex queries. Users can toggle between result categories such as All results, AI mode, Images, Shopping, and Videos, and there is a dark mode option. The app is currently available in English for users in the United States on PCs running Windows 10 or later.